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Abstract Background Over the past three decades, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence and incidence of overweight and obesity worldwide. The obesogen hypothesis suggests that certain external agents may affect pathways related to fat accumulation and energy balance by stimulating fat cell differentiation and proliferation. Previous research has indicated that exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) and some of its analogues may influence fat accumulation by promoting the transformation of preadipocytes into adipocytes. This study aimed to assess the possible contribution of dietary bisphenol exposure to the odds of developing overweight and obesity in a sample of Spanish children according to sex. Methods Dietary and anthropometric data were collected from 179 controls and 124 cases schoolchildren aged 3–12 years. Dietary exposure to BPA and bisphenol S (BPS) was assessed using a food consumption frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to assess the influence of dietary exposure to bisphenols on overweight and obesity stratified by sex. Results For females, cases had significantly higher exposure to BPA from meat and eggs compared to controls (median = 319.55, interquartile range (IQR) = 176.39–381.01 vs 231.79 (IQR) = 162.11–350.19, p-value = 0.046). Diet quality was higher for controls (6.21 (2.14) vs 4.80 (2.24) p

Coeliac disease is a common condition for which the only current treatment is a gluten-free diet. Adherence to this diet is not always easy and is associated with a reduction in quality of life for the patient and their family. Non-adherence is associated with complications of varying severity. The lack of control at the outpatient care level in a high percentage of these patients evinces the need to improve follow-up protocols and the approach to care delivery with coordination of paediatric gastroenterology units (PGU) and primary care paediatricians. With this aim in mind, the present document was developed by consensus to offer a set of recommendations adapted to our region, based on the recent recommendations published by the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), and with participation of the pertinent scientific societies, including those concerning the adult population, for the management and follow-up of adolescents and the transition to adult care. Resumen: La enfermedad celíaca es una patología frecuente y cuyo único tratamiento en el momento actual es la dieta sin gluten. El seguimiento de esta dieta no siempre es fácil e implica limitaciones en la calidad de vida del paciente y su familia. La no adherencia se asociaría a complicaciones de distinta gravedad. La falta de control de estos pacientes en consultas en un alto porcentaje de casos plantea la necesidad de mejorar los protocolos de seguimiento y de abordarlos de forma coordinada entre las Unidades de Gastroenterología Pediátrica (UGP) y los pediatras de Atención Primaria. Con ese objetivo se han consensuado en este documento, basándose en las recomendaciones recientemente publicadas por la Sociedad Europea de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica (ESPGHAN), un conjunto de recomendaciones adaptadas a nuestro entorno y contando con la participación de las Sociedades Científicas implicadas, incluyendo a las Sociedades de adultos para el abordaje del seguimiento del adolescente y de la transición de cuidados a los profesionales de adultos.

Gene-environment interaction studies are emerging as a promising tool to shed light on the reasons for the rapid increase in excess body weight (overweight and obesity). We aimed to investigate the influence of several polymorphisms on excess weight in Spanish children according to a short- and long-term exposure to bisphenols and parabens, combining individual approach with the joint effect of them. This case-control study included 144 controls and 98 cases children aged 3–12 years. Thirty SNPs in genes involved in obesity-related pathways, xenobiotic metabolism and hormone systems were genotyped using the GSA microchip technology and qPCRs with Taqman® probes. Levels of bisphenols and parabens in urine and hair were used to assess short- and long-term exposure, respectively, via UHPLC-MS/MS system. LEPR rs9436303 was identified as a relevant risk variant for excess weight (ORDom:AAvsAG+GG=2.65, p

Los bioestimulantes a base de algas marinas tienen el potencial de mitigar problemas de estrés siendo opción para mejorar la calidad y el rendimiento de los cultivos. Sin embargo, la aplicación de algas marinas como ingrediente activo en bioestimulantes sobre plántulas de cacao nacional es muy poca documentada. Por lo tanto, esta investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de un bioestimulante a base de algas marinas (Ecklonia maxima), sobre las características fenológicas en plantas de cacao en etapa de vivero en el cantón Machala, provincia El Oro. En base a esto se planteó generar un diseño homogéneo completamente al azar (4x4), el cual contó con 16 unidades experimentales; en las cuales se encuentran 4 plantas por unidad experimental, dando así un total de 64 plantas por todo el diseño, siendo el factor de estudio las dosificaciones: TA (50%), TB (100%), TC (150%) y TD (control). La utilización bioestimulante indica que la dosis en exceso (150%) dentro de las plántulas de cacao no es conveniente utilizarla debido a que influyó de manera adversa, pues en todas las variables morfológicas el tratamiento con el bioestimulante al 50 % presentó las medias más altas en las plántulas.

IntroductionA growing number of studies link the increase in overweight/obesity worldwide to exposure to certain environmental chemical pollutants that display obesogenic activity (obesogens). Since exposure to obesogens during the first stages of life has been shown to have a more intense and pronounced effect at lower doses, it is imperative to study their possible effects in childhood. The objective here was to study the association of Bisphenol A (BPA) and 11 BPA analogs in children, using three biological matrices (nails, saliva and urine), and overweight and obesity (n = 160).MethodsIn this case–control study, 59 overweight/obese children and 101 controls were included. The measuring of Bisphenols in the matrices was carried out by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Logistic regression was used to study the association between overweight/obesity and Bisphenol exposure.ResultsThe results suggested that BPF in nails is associated with overweight/ obesity in children (OR:4.87; p = 0.020). In saliva, however, the highest detected concentrations of BPAF presented an inverse association (OR: 0.06; p = 0.010) with overweight/obesity. No associations of statistical significance were detected between exposure to BPA or its other analogs and overweight/obesity in any of the biological matrices.

This study explored how 14 higher education and student affairs (HESA) professionals navigated institutional policy vacuums to address interpersonal racial conflict between students. Grounded in perspectives of policy vacuums, findings revealed that HESA professionals learned about racial conflict by referring to their own personal, professional, and academic training. Additionally, they employed strategies that were often self-generated and informal to address racial conflict. The paper concludes with a discussion of the findings, specifically highlighting that relying on HESA professionals' dispositions is an insufficient way to address racial conflict and that more institutional support is necessary to train racially responsive HESA professionals.

This study examined the most common social skills among elementary school students in an intercultural environment with contextual diversity, taking age, gender and place of birth into consideration. A total of 803 students (aged 6 to 12) were assessed using the previously validated "social skills questionnaire for intercultural students in primary education". Data were analyzed by descriptive and comparative statistics using the most recent version of SPSS software taking into account sociodemographic variables about social skills. The results indicate that gender exhibits different levels of social skills. Specifically, boys present higher scores than girls to reject and end interactions as well as in the ability to make suggestions to others. Students' social skill development is influenced by their nationality since social interaction within a community and the development of specific social skills are determined by the traditions and customs of every country. It is necessary to consider the diverse profiles of students as priority targets for educational interventions aimed at fostering these types of skills which will contribute to social integration in diverse contexts. The practical implications of this study suggest that educational programs should be adapted to address gender and nationality differences in the development of social skills. Better social and cultural integration in diverse school environments help students interact effectively and develop essential social competencies in a globalized world.

This work, framed within a mental health prevention project aimed at early childhood education teacher students, aims to evaluate the suitability of the action to promote, in the educational field, the personal identification of traumatic experiences, incorporating them as vital learning. To this end, a performative action aimed at representing suffering and the capacity to overcome it was created, in which 71 early childhood education teacher students and 3 teachers participated, and which was implemented in Coruña (Spain), in 2022, in the postCOVID stage. In order to achieve the object of study, a research project was designed using public enquiry, documentary observation and participant observation to determine the suitability of the performance to the project's objectives. The results show how, through the representation of trauma, people have experienced that in the difficulties of life there is also learning, improving self-esteem and self-concept.

COVID-19 has adversely impacted the entire university community worldwide, including teachers, administrative staff, and students. This study analyzed the relationship between digital competencies, transformational leadership, and job performance of Peruvian university teachers. A predictive cross-sectional study was conducted with 201 teachers from a private university in Peru in three regions of the country (coast, highlands, and jungle). The Digital Competencies in Teaching (CDD), Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ 5X Short), and the Job Performance scale were used for data collection. The samples were analyzed with structural equation modeling and an adequate fit to the data was obtained ([chi-squared] = 194.342, p < 0; [chi-squared]/df = 2.23, CFI = 0.952, TLI = 0.942, RMSEA = 0.078, SRMR = 0.061). In addition, both digital competencies ([beta] = 0.28, p < 0) and transformational leadership ([beta] = 0.76, p < 0) were found to be predictive factors of job performance. These findings provide evidence that digital competencies and transformational leadership were directly related to the job performance of university teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, it would be appropriate for educational leaders to consider these findings to enhance the digital competencies of teachers, promote a positive work environment, and support professional growth by stimulating motivation and job satisfaction during crisis situations.

This study aimed to determine whether the three dimensions of academic engagement (cognitive, emotional and behavioral) were positively associated with perceived learning and academic performance. The participants were 301 university students from Lima. Structural equation models were used to test the proposed theoretical relationship between the variables. The results indicated that the model showed satisfactory fit indices (CFI = 0.956, TLI = 0.949, RMSEA = 0.043, SRMR = 0.062). Perceived learning was found to be predicted by cognitive engagement ([beta] = 0.447, p < 0.01) and emotional engagement ([beta] = 0.230, p < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between behavioral engagement and perceived learning ([beta] = 0.035, p = 0.840). On the other hand, academic performance was predicted by behavioral engagement ([beta] = 0.393, p < 0.05) but not by cognitive ([beta] = -0.164, p = 0.301) or emotional ([beta] = 0.001, p = 0.991) engagement. The study highlights the importance of fostering academic engagement in university students to enhance both their academic performance and perceived learning.

Meningeal solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) are rare and have a high frequency of local recurrence and distant metastasis. In a cohort of 126 patients (57 female, 69 male; mean age at surgery 53.0 years) with pathologically confirmed meningeal SFTs with extended clinical follow-up (median 9.9 years; range 15 days-43 years), we performed extensive molecular characterization including genome-wide DNA methylation profiling (n = 80) and targeted TERT promoter mutation testing (n = 98). Associations were examined with NAB2::STAT6 fusion status (n = 101 cases; 51 = ex5-7::ex16-17, 26 = ex4::ex2-3; 12 = ex2-3::exANY/other and 12 = no fusion) and placed in the context of 2021 Central Nervous System (CNS) WHO grade. NAB2::STAT6 fusion breakpoints (fusion type) were significantly associated with metastasis-free survival (MFS) (p = 0.03) and, on multivariate analysis, disease-specific survival (DSS) when adjusting for CNS WHO grade (p = 0.03). DNA methylation profiling revealed three distinct clusters: Cluster 1 (n = 38), Cluster 2 (n = 22), and Cluster 3 (n = 20). Methylation clusters were significantly associated with fusion type (p

ABSTRACTJustice-impacted persons may inconsistently access HIV testing. This cross-sectional secondary analysis investigates lifetime HIV testing prevalence among adults with prior histories of incarceration in Southern California, United States, participating in health-focused programming (n = 3 studies). Self-reported demographic and lifetime HIV testing data were collected between 2017-2023; descriptive analyses were conducted. Across the three samples, at least 74% of participants were male; Latino and African American individuals accounted for nearly two-thirds of participants. Lifetime HIV testing ranged from 72.8% to 84.2%. Males were significantly more likely than females to report never being tested in two samples and accounted for >95% of those never tested. No statistically significant differences in testing were observed by race/ethnicity. Single young adults (ages 18-26) were less likely than their partnered peers to report testing. HIV testing is critical for ensuring that individuals access prevention and treatment. HIV testing among justice-impacted adults in this study was higher than in the general population, potentially due to opt-out testing in correctional settings. Nevertheless, these findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to reduce structural (e.g., health insurance, access to self-testing kits) and social barriers (e.g., HIV stigma) to increase HIV testing among justice-impacted males and single young adults.

Torpor encompasses diverse adaptations to extreme environmental stressors such as hibernation, aestivation, brumation, and daily torpor. Here we introduce StrokeofGenus, an analytic pipeline that identifies distinct transcriptomic states and shared gene expression patterns across studies, tissues, and species. We use StrokeofGenus to study multiple and diverse forms of torpor from publicly-available RNA-seq datasets that span eight species and two classes. We identify three transcriptionally distinct states during the cycle of heterothermia: euthermia, torpor, and interbout arousal. We also identify torpor-specific gene expression patterns that are shared both across tissues and between species with over three hundred million years of evolutionary divergence. We further demonstrate the general sharing of gene expression patterns in multiple forms of torpor, implying a common evolutionary origin for this process. Although here we apply StrokeofGenus to analysis of torpor, it can be used to interrogate any other complex physiological processes defined by transient transcriptomic states.

As multiple UN fora develop parallel rules for sharing benefits from digital sequence information, we urge better coordination. International policymakers should focus on harmonizing new benefit-sharing rules to ensure open access to data, database interoperability, and better benefit sharing outcomes.

The intestinal lumen is a turbulent, semi-fluid landscape where microbial cells and nutrient-rich particles are distributed with high heterogeneity. Major questions regarding the basic physical structure of this dynamic microbial ecosystem remain unanswered. Most gut microbes are non-motile, and it is unclear how they achieve optimum localization relative to concentrated aggregations of dietary glycans that serve as their primary source of energy. In addition, a random spatial arrangement of cells in this environment is predicted to limit sustained interactions that drive co-evolution of microbial genomes. The ecological consequences of random versus organized microbial localization have the potential to control both the metabolic outputs of the microbiota and the propensity for enteric pathogens to participate in proximity-dependent microbial interactions. Here, we review evidence suggesting that several bacterial species adopt organized spatial arrangements in the gut via adhesion. We highlight examples where localization could contribute to antagonism or metabolic interdependency in nutrient degradation, and we discuss imaging- and sequencing-based technologies that have been used to assess the spatial positions of cells within complex microbial communities.

The reaction of 4 equiv. of Li(N[double bond, length as m-dash]C( t Bu)Ph) with FeIICl2 results in isolation of [Li(Et2O)]2[FeII(N[double bond, length as m-dash]C( t Bu)Ph)4] (1), in good yields. The reaction of 1 with 1 equiv. of I2 leads to formation of [FeIV(N[double bond, length as m-dash]C( t Bu)Ph)4] (2), in moderate yields. 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy confirms the Fe(iv) oxidation state of 2, and X-ray crystallography reveals that 2 has a square planar coordination geometry along with several intramolecular H⋯C interactions. Furthermore, SQUID magnetometry indicates a small magnetic moment at room temperature, suggestive of an accessible S = 1 state. Both density functional theory and multiconfigurational calculations were done to elucidate the nature of the ground state. Consistent with the experimental results, the ground state was found to be an S = 0 state with an S = 1 excited state close in energy.

El cambio climático actualmente es un tema muy preocupante que implica que las sociedades, así como los gobiernos de turno realicen acciones que colaboren a apaciguar esta degradación que se le ha hecho al entorno. Somos conscientes de que es un problema, pero ¿Qué ocasionaría esto?, debido al no tomar acciones o medidas adecuadas en busca de una solución, esta podría desencadenar a que las especies que viven en la tierra vayan desapareciendo de manera rápida, pero entonces ¿Qué medidas deberían emplearse? Se debería de empezar por concientizar a las personas con los desperdicios plásticos, aplicar medida que incluyan políticas, proponer impuestos a las grandes industrias que son los mayores contaminantes entre otros

Parabens have been accepted almost worldwide as preservatives by the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Since epidemiological evidence of the obesogenic activity of parabens is weak, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between parabens exposure and childhood obesity. Four parabens (methylparaben/MetPB, ethylparaben/EthPB, propylparaben/PropPB, and butylparaben/ButPB) were measured in 160 children’s bodies between 6 and 12 years of age. Parabens measurements were performed with ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors for elevated body weight associated with paraben exposure. No significant relation was detected between children’s body weight and the presence of parabens in the samples. This study confirmed the omnipresence of parabens in children’s bodies. Our results could be a basis for future research about the effect of parabens on childhood body weight using nails as a biomarker due to the ease of its collection and its non-invasive character.

Laser Driven Plasma Accelerators (LDPA) can generate both characteristic and Bremsstrahlung x-rays in ultrashort bunches. Because of the high intensity of the laser pulses, these laser-induced x-ray sources can achieve peak dose rates compatible with the FLASH regime. At the Laser Laboratory for Acceleration and Applications (L2A2/USC), a setup for the irradiation of in vitro cell cultures with a laser-driven x-ray source has been developed. The suitability of this source for studying the influence of Ultra High Dose Rates (UHDR) on DNA damage has been proven through the irradiation of in vitro cell cultures.

Childhood overweight/obesity is associated with stress-related psychopathology, yet the pathways connecting childhood obesity to stress susceptibility are poorly understood. We employed a systems biology approach with 62 adolescent Lewis rats fed a Western-like high-saturated fat diet (WD, 41% kcal from fat) or a control diet (CD, 13% kcal from fat). A subset of rats underwent a 31-day model of predator exposures and social instability (PSS). Effects were assessed using behavioral tests, DTI (diffusion tensor imaging), NODDI (neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging), 16S rRNA gene sequencing for gut microbiome profiling, hippocampal microglia analysis, and targeted gene methylation. Parallel experiments on human microglia cells (HMC3) examined how palmitic acid influences cortisol-related inflammatory responses. Rats exposed to WD and PSS exhibited deficits in sociability, increased fear/anxiety-like behaviors, food consumption, and body weight. WD/PSS altered hippocampal microstructure (subiculum, CA1, dentate gyrus), and microbiome analysis showed a reduced abundance of members of the phylum Firmicutes. WD/PSS synergistically promoted neuroinflammatory changes in hippocampal microglia, linked with microbiome shifts and altered Fkbp5 expression/methylation. In HMC3, palmitate disrupted cortisol responses, affecting morphology, phagocytic markers, and cytokine release, partially mediated by FKBP5. This study identifies gene-environment interactions that influence microglia biology and may contribute to the connection between childhood obesity and stress-related psychopathology later in life.

As the number of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) continues to rise in the United States, higher education scholars and practitioners have increasingly wondered how HSIs fulfill their charge to serve Latinx/a/o communities. However, Latinx/a/o sexually minoritized students often go unrecognized in conversations on servingness at HSIs. This phenomenological study addresses this gap by exploring the experiences of 15 Latina lesbians navigating their race/ethnicity, sexuality, and gender at an HSI. Informed by scholarship on how intersecting systems of power affect Latinx/a/o communities differentially, findings revealed how encountering isolation and alienation from peers, living within and against traditional gender norms and expectations, together with articulating the importance of affirming environments and individuals characterized the experiences of Latina lesbians at the institution. From the participants' stories, we used literature on servingness to explore how their experiences reflected organizational commitments to sexually minoritized students at the HSI. We then offer implications for research and practice.

The objectives of this study were to establish the frequency of violent behaviors present in primary education (PE), to determine differences based on students' grade and gender, and to assess the evolution of behaviors between the fourth and sixth grades of PE. The research design was a cohort longitudinal ex post facto study with three measures. Data was collected at three different moments across fourth, fifth, and sixth grades of PE. The sample was composed of all the students of three public centers located in three localities of Autonomous Community of Navarra (Northern Spain). The centers had to present similar characteristics to each other and to the population of Navarra. The first three centers contacted agreed to participate. The sample was composed of 236 students (110 girls) in PE. Students completed the instrument School Violence Questionnaire-Revised. A descriptive analysis, a bivariate analysis, and a logistic regression model were performed. A gradual increase in the perception of different violent behaviors with differences between boys and girls was found. In fourth grade, there was hardly any perception of information and communication technology-related violence; it then increased until sixth grade. Boys perceived more violence from teachers toward students and among peers. Girls perceived more violent behavior between fourth and fifth grade. Preventive interventions targeting digital violence should be developed at this stage. Considering the differences found according to gender and age, it is highlighted the need to train the educative community in different areas, such as emotional competencies, school coexistence, and the detection and prevention of violent behavior.

Abstract During 2007–2009 and 2012–2014, avian influenza virus (AIV) was studied in a wild avian community of a northern Spanish wetland using non-invasive sampling methods and host identification by COI barcoding. The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate AIV dynamics in a natural wetland ecosystem, taking into account both virological aspects and ecological traits of hosts. Global AIV prevalence decreased significantly during the second sampling period (0.3%) compared to the first (6.6%). Circulating subtype distributions were also different between periods, with a noteworthy H5 and H7 subtype richness during the first sampling period. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos was identified as the main AIV host, although not all positive samples could be ascribed to the host. We modelled AIV prevalence with regard to the avian host community composition and meteorological data from the wetland. Statistical analysis revealed seasonal differences in AIV detection, with higher prevalence during the breeding season compared to other phenological events. The model also shows that the lower AIV prevalence during the second study period was associated with a significant reduction of breeding Anseriformes in the wetland, revealing a long-term fluctuation of AIV prevalence driven by the breeding Anseriformes community. This longitudinal study on AIV epidemiology in a natural ecosystem reveals that although prevalence follows seasonal and annual patterns, long-term prevalence fluctuation is linked to the breeding community composition and size. These results are relevant to understanding the influence of host ecology on pathogen transmission for preventing and managing influenza emergence.

Context. We investigate the morphology and resolved physical properties of a sample of 22 IR-selected dusty star-forming galaxies at cosmic noon using the James Webb Space Telescope NIRCam images obtained in the EGS field for the CEERS survey. The exceptional resolution of the NIRCam images allowed us to spatially resolve these galaxies up to 4.4 µm and identify their bulge or core even when very extinguished by dust. Aims. The goal of this study is to obtain a better understanding of the formation and evolution of FIR-bright galaxies by spatially resolving their properties using JWST in order to look through the dust and bridge the gap between the compact FIR sources and the larger optical star-forming galaxies. Methods. Based on red-green-blue images from the F115W, F200W, and F444W filters, we divided each galaxy into several uniformly colored regions, fit their respective SEDs, and measured physical properties. After classifying each region as star forming or quiescent, we assigned galaxies to three classes depending on whether active star formation is located in the core, in the disk, or in both. Results. (i) We find that the galaxies at a higher redshift tend to have a fragmented disk with a low core mass fraction. They are at an early stage of bulge formation. When moving toward a lower redshift, the core mass fraction increases, and the bulge growth is associated with a stabilization of the disk, which translates into less patches and clumps. The NIRCam data clearly point toward bulge formation in preexisting disks. (ii) Lopsidedness is a very common feature of DSFGs. It has been wrongly overlooked for a long time and could have a major impact on the evolution of DSFGs. (iii) Twenty-three percent of the galaxies have a star-forming core embedded in a quiescent disk. They seem to be undergoing outside-in quenching, often facilitated by their strong lopsidedness inducing instabilities. (iv) We show that half of our galaxies with star formation concentrated in their core are good sub-millimeter galaxy near-IR counterpart candidates, demonstrating that compact SMGs are usually surrounded by a larger, less obscured disk. (v) Finally, we found surprising evidence for clump-like substructures being quiescent or residing in quiescent regions. Conclusions. This work demonstrates the major impact JWST/NIRCam has on understanding the complexity of the evolution of distant massive galaxies regarding bulge formation and quenching mechanisms.

The synthesis of bioactive molecules is a key topic in organic chemistry, particularly inthe development of anti-cancer agents. Our work consisted of three catalytic approaches aimed atsynthesizing potent bioactive compounds through the use of C-H functionalization and high-energy vinylic cation strategies. The first project focuses on the synthesis of anti-cancercolchicine derivatives utilizing high-energy vinylic cation intermediates. The methodologyinvolves the use of iron(III)/HCl “super acid” vinylic cation formation to access structurallydiverse colchicine analogs with anti-cancer properties. In the second project, a cobalt(III)-catalyzed C-H functionalization approach is employed for the synthesis of dihydroisoquinolones,a class of compounds with significant medicinal potential. Specifically, benzamides andnorbornadiene substrates were employed to access valuable intermediates with potentialmedicinal applications, facilitated by the selective activation of C-H bonds. The third projectfocuses on the catalytic C-H functionalization of benzamides and ynamides. Using our catalysischemistry, this approach enabled the direct conversion of readily available substrates intocomplex bioactive molecules, showcasing the versatility and efficiency of C-H activationstrategies. These projects collectively highlight the significance of catalysis in the synthesis ofbioactive molecules. The knowledge gathered from these investigations holds great promise forthe creation of molecules with therapeutic relevance and offers opportunity for discovery infurther organic chemistry research.

UNLABELLED: Cryptococcus neoformans causes cryptococcosis, one of the most prevalent fungal diseases, generally characterized by meningitis. There is a limited and not very effective number of drugs available to combat this disease. In this manuscript, we show the host defense peptide mimetic brilacidin (BRI) as a promising antifungal drug against C. neoformans. BRI can affect the organization of the cell membrane, increasing the fungal cell permeability. We also investigated the effects of BRI against the model system Saccharomyces cerevisiae by analyzing libraries of mutants grown in the presence of BRI. In S. cerevisiae, BRI also affects the cell membrane organization, but in addition the cell wall integrity pathway and calcium metabolism. In vivo experiments show BRI significantly reduces C. neoformans survival inside macrophages and partially clears C. neoformans lung infection in an immunocompetent murine model of invasive pulmonary cryptococcosis. We also observed that BRI interacts with caspofungin (CAS) and amphotericin (AmB), potentiating their mechanism of action against C. neoformans. BRI + CAS affects endocytic movement, calcineurin, and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Our results indicate that BRI is a novel antifungal drug against cryptococcosis. IMPORTANCE: Invasive fungal infections have a high mortality rate causing more deaths annually than tuberculosis or malaria. Cryptococcosis, one of the most prevalent fungal diseases, is generally characterized by meningitis and is mainly caused by two closely related species of basidiomycetous yeasts, Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. There are few therapeutic options for treating cryptococcosis, and searching for new antifungal agents against this disease is very important. Here, we present brilacidin (BRI) as a potential antifungal agent against C. neoformans. BRI is a small molecule host defense peptide mimetic that has previously exhibited broad-spectrum immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory activity against bacteria and viruses. BRI alone was shown to inhibit the growth of C. neoformans, acting as a fungicidal drug, but surprisingly also potentiated the activity of caspofungin (CAS) against this species. We investigated the mechanism of action of BRI and BRI + CAS against C. neoformans. We propose BRI as a new antifungal agent against cryptococcosis.

We test the relationship between UV-derived star formation rates (SFRs) and the 7.7 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon luminosities from the integrated emission of galaxies at z ∼ 0-2. We utilize multiband photometry covering 0.2-160 μm from the Hubble Space Telescope, CFHT, JWST, Spitzer, and Herschel for galaxies in the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science (CEERS) Survey. We perform spectral energy distribution (SED) modeling of these data to measure dust-corrected far-UV (FUV) luminosities, L FUV, and UV-derived SFRs. We then fit SED models to the JWST/MIRI 7.7-21 μm CEERS data to derive rest-frame 7.7 μm luminosities, L 770, using the average flux density in the rest-frame MIRI F770W bandpass. We observe a correlation between L 770 and L FUV, where log L 770 ∝ ( 1.27 ± 0.04 ) log L FUV . L 770 diverges from this relation for galaxies at lower metallicities, lower dust obscuration, and for galaxies dominated by evolved stellar populations. We derive a “single-wavelength” SFR calibration for L 770 that has a scatter from model estimated SFRs (σ ΔSFR) of 0.24 dex. We derive a “multiwavelength” calibration for the linear combination of the observed FUV luminosity (uncorrected for dust) and the rest-frame 7.7 μm luminosity, which has a scatter of σ ΔSFR = 0.21 dex. The relatively small decrease in σ suggests this is near the systematic accuracy of the total SFRs using either calibration. These results demonstrate that the rest-frame 7.7 μm emission constrained by JWST/MIRI is a tracer of the SFR for distant galaxies to this accuracy, provided the galaxies are dominated by star formation with moderate-to-high levels of attenuation and metallicity.

BackgroundFive U.S. states where recreational cannabis is legal require Mandatory Warning Signs for cannabis use during pregnancy (MWS-cannabis) to be posted in cannabis dispensaries. Previous research has found adverse health consequences associated with MWS-cannabis and that people lack trust in information on signs. This qualitative study explores people's perspectives and preferences regarding MWS-cannabis.MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews with 34 pregnant or recently pregnant individuals from multiple states with varying policy climates in the U.S. who used cannabis before and/or during pregnancy. We asked participants about their perspectives on MWS-cannabis and reactions to specific messages. We reviewed transcripts using thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants reported mostly negative views on MWS-cannabis, suggesting they may have stigmatizing and negative impacts on pregnant people who use cannabis, discouraging them from seeking care. Many said that the scientific evidence is not strong enough to justify MWS-cannabis, and that they are unlikely to deter pregnant people from using cannabis. Participants asserted that vague or fear-based messages, distrust of government, and the location and timing of the signs undermine the goals of MWS-cannabis. When reacting to specific messages, participants preferred messages that are evidence-based, clear, specific, and aligned with autonomous decision-making.ConclusionsPregnant and recently pregnant people who use cannabis have mostly negative perceptions of MWS-cannabis and believe they have negative consequences. More work is needed to develop health information resources that meet the needs of people who use cannabis in pregnancy without increasing stigma.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the acceptability, feasibility, usability, and preliminary effect of an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) intervention for patients with breast cancer in Mexico.DesignWe conducted a multimethod non-randomised pilot study. We used a pre-test/post-test design for quantitative assessment of the intervention's effect on patients' supportive care needs and quality of life. We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with participants and healthcare workers to explore the intervention's benefits and barriers and understand its feasibility.Participants50 women aged 20-75 diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer were enrolled within 2 weeks of starting neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. We excluded illiterate women and those with visual impairment, cognitive disability or severe depression. IDIs were conducted with 18 participants and 10 healthcare providers.SettingOncology services in three public hospitals of the Mexican Social Security Institute.InterventionThe ePRO intervention consisted of a responsive web application for weekly symptom reporting combined with proactive follow-up by nurses guided by predefined clinical algorithms for 6 weeks.Results50 women were enrolled out of 66 eligible patients approached (75.8%). All 50 completed the 4-week follow-up assessment (100% retention). Completion of the symptom registry declined from 100% in week 1 to 66% in week 6. Participants experienced decreases in supportive care needs and increased quality of life. The ePRO application was rated highly usable. Participants and health professionals both perceived intervention benefits. Drawbacks included poor fit for women receiving radiotherapy and challenges using the application for women with low digital literacy or experiencing severe symptoms.ConclusionsThis pilot study provided evidence of the high usability and potential efficacy of a web-based ePRO intervention. We revised recruitment during the pilot to include multiple facilities, and we will further revise for the randomised trial to address barriers to successful ePRO implementation.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05925257.

Mansonella ozzardi is a nematode belonging to the family Onchocercidae and the etiologic agent of human mansonellosis in the Caribbean and Central and South America (1). M. ozzardi adult worms [...]

The purpose of this study was to carry out an analysis of the effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom methodology for teaching mathematics--specifically geometry, in an online environment. Specifically, we measured: (1) the academic achievement of students who were taught based on this method; and (2) the perceptions of satisfaction with this methodology and with the virtual sessions attended through digital resources. In order to gather the data a pre-experimental and ex-post-facto design was used with a sample of 113 secondary education students. Regarding academic performance, positive and significant differences were found between the pre-test and the post-test. In addition, different significant variables were found that affected the academic performance of the students, such as having previously failed the subject of mathematics, the perception of the students about their effort in learning mathematics or the educational level of the parents. In respect of the students' perceptions, the results showed that they were generally happy with the use of the Flipped Classroom methodology, bearing in mind that the environmental context in which the educational process takes place affects the students' perceptions. However, slightly negative perceptions were also found in respect of virtual sessions that made use of digital resources. These findings were significantly affected by the frequency with which resources and electronic devices were deployed. These results would support the integration of this methodology into the teaching of mathematics, where the use of digital resources to study geometry in particular helps to improve the different competences and skills of the students.